The film does not - in our opinion - fairly portray the Mormon Church, Mormon history, or Mormon belief. It makes extensive use of 'half-truth', faulty generalizations, erroneous interpretations, and sensationalism. It is not reflective of the genuine spirit of the Mormon faith.

We find particularly offensive the emphasis in the film that Mormonism is some sort of subversive plot - a danger to the community, a threat to the institution of marriage, and is destructive to the mental health of teenagers. All of our experience with our Mormon neighbors provides eloquent refutation of these charges.

We are of the opinion that The Godmakers relies heavily on appeals to fear, prejudice and other less worthy human emotions. We believe that continued use of this film poses genuine danger to the climate of good will and harmony which currently exists between Valley neighbors of differing faiths. It appears to us to be a basically unfair and untruthful presentation of what Mormons really believe and practice.

We believe that most fair-minded people who would happen to view this film would be appalled by it, because their attitudes have been previously formed through many day-to-day experiences with Mormons which demonstrate that they are good friends, neighbors and fellow citizens. (Brown 1995, 67-68)

Rhonda M Abrams, the Regional Director for The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, also made a statement condemning The Godmakers film.

• I have now seen "The Godmakers" quite a number of times, and I thought you would be interested in my professional reaction to it.

  First of all, I was impressed by the high production values of the show. Clearly, this is not the work either of amateurs or those with very limited resources. The film obviously cost a lot of money to produce and, with the exception of the animated sequence (which looks as if it were made by another source and inserted) used the talents of a fairly sophisticated film-maker.

  The use of a documentary format with a factual tone is a clever ploy to convey a high degree of believability to what is in fact an anti-Mormon work. I am fearful that many of those viewing "The Godmakers," especially those who are unfamiliar with the tenets of the Church of Latter Day Saints, will come away believing much of what they see.

  Those who view it carefully, however, can see just how invidious and defamatory "The Godmakers" is.

  First, the producers invoke one of the largest-standing canards of religious defamation - that one religion (or its adherents) control a disproportionate share of our nation's resources. This base charge, at bottom, implies that there are those who are not entitled to participate fully in our society and that inevitably such ownership will be used for evil ends.

  Particularly invidious about "THE GODMAKERS" is its selection of a very few isolated cases, which may or may not be factual, and the implication that the characteristics of those cases are true throughout the LDS religion. We all know that there are unhappy and discontent people in every religion, and even if these cases are true, they say nothing about the Church or Mormons as a whole.

  Moreover, the film repeatedly refers to the LDS Church as a cult, yet these individuals cases show people who have freely and knowingly joined the Church and just as freely chose to leave--hardly the mark of a cult.

  Finally, the film makers jest of the religious beliefs and history of the Church. It is the nature of faith, however, that the beliefs of adherents seem ridiculous to those without faith. A non-believer could as easily, and as disrespectfully, ridicule the parting of the Red Sea, or the resurrection of Jesus. "The Godmakers" attempt to ridicule Mormon beliefs in this fashion clearly indicates the malevolent intent of the producers.

  Had a similar movie been made with either Judaism or Catholicism as its target, it would be immediately denounced for the scurrilous piece that it is. I sincerely hope that people of all faiths will similarly repudiate "The Godmakers" as defamatory and untrue, and recognize it for what it truly represents - a challenge to the religious liberty of all.

  I hope you share my analysis with all those interested in "The Godmakers" and you should feel free to copy this letter and circulate it as you choose.(Brown 1995, 51-52)

Rebuttal to False Claims About the Statement from the NCCJ

Richard Baer claimed that the "Ad Hoc Committee that reviewed the film included 12 Mormons, 1 Reorganized Latter-day Saint. Tom Kodomoto was a Buddhist. There are a number on the NCCJ of the Arizona Region that have no affiliation with any religion, so my question would be: What is the National Conference of Christians and Jews? It is not!"

Mr. Baer also claimed that Dr. Gilbert Scharffs who wrote the book, The Truth About the God Makers, was also on the committee. He is not even a member of the NCCJ. (Brown 1995, 53-54)

John L. Smith who publishes The Utah Evangel, also claimed, "The NCCJ, Arizona Region, which included 12 Mormons, 1 RLDS, 1 Buddhist, 4 who were not affiliated with any church and 2 Unitarians, and others, were involved in writing the negative report on The God Makers." (Brown 1995, 61)

And Ed Decker goes a little further, "Russell fails to mention that the NCCJ committee (in Arizona) included 12 Mormons and not a single Evangelical or fundamental Christian." (Brown 1995, 62)

Because of these false reports the Arizona region of The National Conference of Christians and Jews issued a letter explaining in details the makeup of the organization and the Ad hoc committee.

• At the time of our study of "The Godmakers", the entire Arizona NCCJ Board was composed of 66 people. Their religious affiliations were as follows: 16 Jews, 3 Methodists, 10 Roman Catholics 3 "Protestants", 7 Mormons, 1 Episcopalian, 2 Unitarians, 4 Presbyterians, 2 unaffiliated, 1 American Baptist, 1 Greek Orthodox, 1 Reorganized L.D.S., 2 Southern Baptist and 1 United Church of Christ.

  Our study committee which issued the report had a total of 17 members (16 board, 1 staff). Their affiliations were: 3 Roman Catholics (one of whom chaired the committee), 1 Methodist, 2 Presbyterians, 7 Jews, 1 Greek Orthodox, 2 Mormons, and 1 Disciples or Christ (staff).

  As you are aware, Elliott, our study was an honest response of a group of people from diverse backgrounds to a movie which we found to be an unfair presentation of Mormon belief. Those who now seek to discredit the report by falsifying the integrity and the credentials of the NCCJ are to say the least disingenuous. (Brown 1995, 60)

NCCJ Complete Report

An Advisory Report to the Religious Executives of Arizona

Background

For more than three years, an organization known as "Concerned Christians, Inc." of Mesa, Arizona has conducted programs in the Valley area (and into neighboring states) which have two purposes:

1. "exposing and bringing to full knowledge the real doctrines of false prophets and teachers of the Mormon Church"

2. "service to the Christian community by keeping them informed, equipping them. . . that they may be effective witnesses"

(Quotations from information brochure published by Concerned Christians, Inc.)

Much of the activity of Concerned Christians, Inc. has been in the form of presentations in churches often accompanied by the showing of a 59 minute, color film titled, The Godmakers. The group has also sponsored meetings in rented public halls for lectures and showing of the film.

Public awareness of a developing controversy became wide-spread following the publication of a feature article (about a March 8, 1983 showing of the film) which appeared in the Mesa Tribune. Shortly thereafter, a delegation of sixteen Mesa citizens asked the Arizona Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews to investigate and to assist in any way possible. An ad hoc study committee was appointed, composed of representatives of several faiths (including both laity and clergy). Since mid-summer 1983, it has met numerous times, viewed the film in question, interviewed Concerned Christians leaders on three occasions, listened to Dr. Truman Madsen, holder of the Richard L. Evans Chair for Christian Understanding at Brigham Young University, and ultimately presented its information to the full Arizona NCCJ Board for a decision at the March 2, 1984 board meeting.

NCCJ Reaffirms Religious Freedom

The National Conference of Christians and Jews reaffirms its allegiance to the First Amendment of the Constitution and our American tradition of religious freedom in both faith and practice. At the same time, we strongly urge responsible use of that freedom. It must be exercised with self-restraint, fairness, good judgment and in a spirit of tolerance for the convictions of others.

The NCCJ does not seek -- nor has it ever sought -- to censor, restrict or limit the activities of any religious group. Neither do we take a judgmental position with regard to the theology or doctrines of any religious body.

We do, however, recognize that in a complex, religiously pluralistic society such as we live in today, a great variety of sincerely held beliefs guide the individual and collective consciences of the American people. Each is deserving of our mutual respect and forbearance.

Thus, we are concerned lest continuing religious controversy unfavorably affect the peace, harmony and tranquillity of our Valley communities. Prolonged divisiveness based on religious differences can be detrimental to the business, social, political, educational and even the personal lives of the citizenry. We would not like that to happen to us.

Proselytizing Activities

The NCCJ accepts without reservation the legal right of any religious group to engage in proselytizing activities. We have little quarrel with the kind of low-key, highly personalized proselytizing programs engaged in daily by numerous religious groups. In fact, we note that wherever such activities are prohibited by governments, tyranny results and a free society is lost. We would not wish to live in a nation which imposes sanctions on religious activity of any kind.

We do question, however, those types of proselytizing activities which utilize fraud or deception, e.g., numerous instances have been reported to us of persons posing as Jews, in order to gain entree in order to seek the conversion of Jews to Christianity. We deplore such tactics.

Neither do we believe that it serves the best interest of community good will for any group to attack the central faith, beliefs, doctrines, or validity of any other religious group. Religious belief is of vital importance to many Americans. It must be recognized that very deep feelings and emotions are stirred when the most important concepts, traditions, personalities and institutions of any religious group are alleged to be based on falsehood. Such frontal assaults promote community divisions and cause persons to be deeply hurt.

We recognize as a positive value the right of any religious group to assert their belief in the absolute truth of their own religious beliefs and practices. However, this basic right also suggests the necessity for tolerance toward others who may hold similar views about their own particular beliefs and customs.

THE GODMAKERS Film

Because showing of The Godmakers is an integral part of the program of the Concerned Christians group, we offer these opinions based on our viewing of the film, research and reflection.

The film does not - in our opinion - fairly portray the Mormon Church, Mormon history, or Mormon belief. It makes extensive use of "half-truth", faulty generalizations, erroneous interpretations, and sensationalism. It is not reflective of the genuine spirit of the Mormon faith.

We find particularly offensive the emphasis in the film that Mormonism is some sort of subversive plot - a danger to the community, a threat to the institution of marriage, and is destructive to the mental health of teenagers. All of our experience with our Mormon neighbors provides eloquent refutation of these charges.

We are of the opinion that The Godmakers relies heavily on appeals to fear, prejudice and other less worthy human emotions. We believe that continued use of this film poses genuine danger to the climate of good will and harmony which currently exists between Valley neighbors of differing faiths. It appears to us to be a basically unfair and untruthful presentation of what Mormons really believe and practice.

NCCJ's Position

The National Conference of Christians and Jews has no power to coerce Concerned Christians or any other group into any course of action, nor do we seek it. All that we can do is to appeal to the Concerned Christian group to reevaluate their goals, methods, priorities and activities. We would like to persuade them to voluntarily monitor their own programs seeking to minimize any which threaten our climate of inter-religious harmony and good will. We ask them as responsible community citizens to eliminate those which have or may prove to be divisive.

By and large, Valley residents do not share the views of our Mormon neighbors espoused by The Godmakers. We believe that most fair-minded people who would happen to view this film would be appalled by it, because their attitudes have been previously formed through many day-to-day experiences with Mormons which demonstrate that they are good friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.

There are, unfortunately, some who lack adequate knowledge about the Mormon faith, who may unwarily be misled by this film. We recommend to all persons that they utilize every opportunity for face-to-face dialogue with their neighbors in an atmosphere of mutual respect. This will help to provide authentic, firsthand information about the faith of our fellow citizens. Dialogue will offer a palliative for controversy and a positive basis for continuing understanding, good will and friendship.

May all our people enjoy fully their constitutional right to practice their faith, guided by conscience, free from stress or harassment from others.

• The Arizona Regional Board of the National Conference of Christians and Jews

The Process

1. Getting involved. While Concerned Christians of Mesa was organized in the early 1980s, and caused alarm within the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, public controversy did not flare until after a showing of The Godmakers in Mesa's Centennial Hall in March, 1983, and coverage of the event by the Mesa Tribune. An audience of some 1,500 saw the film. Don Eagle immediately wrote to the Tribune. He set forth the need for citizens to respect both religious freedom and religious differences.

Religious sentiments began to polarize. Mormons went on the defensive, although the Mormon Church itself did not become embroiled in the conflict. In the larger religious community, reactions were strongly mixed. The group of Mesa citizens approaching NCCJ for assistance (see document, paragraph 3) included Eddie Basha, a Catholic grocer and immediate past NCCJ chairman, who had called the matter to Mr. Eagle's attention.

2. Considering options. Don Eagle visited Mesa, meeting with Mr. Basha and other civic leaders. During the Summer, 1983, Don gathered information on Concerned Christians and anti-Mormon sentiment in general. He notified the National Office that a conflict was brewing and discussed options for NCCJ response. Don also took the responsibility for a first draft of strategic options, including pros and cons in terms of results. Those options ran from "do nothing" to a long range educational program on inter-religious understanding. Work was begun on a philosophical paper dealing with religious liberty and NCCJ's proper role in religious controversies.

On September 1, the regional board met with a group of Mesa citizens and, after full discussion, set up an ad hoc committee to study the issue and recommend action.

3. Studying the issue. The committee, chaired by Mr. Basha, moved quickly to review The Godmakers, solicit a range of assessments of it, and establish contacts with Concerned Christians of Mesa. In all analysis and discussion, special attention was given to the First Amendment guarantee of religious freedom and to the impact of inter-religious tension on a community.

The committee itself was broadly representative of the religious community in Arizona and included regional board leaders. Although the press became interested in the NCCJ review and wrote about it, the committee and regional office made no public statements on the conflict while the study was in progress.

4. Formulating a position. By early December, the committee was ready with a preliminary report to be shared with parties involved, including Concerned Christians. A letter to the Mesa group stressed NCCJ's commitment to religious liberty but found The Godmakers a "danger" to religious goodwill by misrepresenting Mormonism. The defensive reply by Concerned Christians was taken into account in preparing the final draft of the advisory report.

5. Releasing the report. The regional board approved the recommended report of the committee in March, 1984, deciding to issue it as an "advisory" to heads of religious groups in Arizona rather than making it a press release. (Of course, the report found its way to the press.) The rationale was that NCCJ had a responsibility to share its conclusions with that part of the community most affected by the conflict, that NCCJ, rather than becoming a combatant, should try to help religious groups respond to the conflict.

POINTS TO NOTICE ABOUT THE PROCESS AND THE REPORT

• A - the Arizona Region did its homework -- months of it -- before "saying" anything about a sensitive and serious issue.

  B - The ad hoc committee was in direct contact with every principal party to the conflict.

  C - Options for action were considered and a philosophical context was determined at the outset.

  D - The regional board played a pivotal role in initiating the study process, monitoring it and taking responsibility for the report.

  E - The National Office was consulted and kept informed on progress.

  F - The report does not suggest any governmental action or intervention in response to religious activities considered damaging to healthy pluralism; rather, Concerned Christians of Mesa are asked to voluntarily tone down its methods of proselyting as a matter of good citizenship. The appeal is to fairness.

Key Elements in the Process: A Summary

1. Identifying the issue
2. Setting a philosophical framework for response
3. Considering options for action
4. Careful, consultative study
5. Intensive board involvement
6. Strategic release of report

Using the Model

The process followed by the Arizona Region in responding to the controversy around Concerned Christians is adaptable to virtually any situation in which one religious group singles out another as "false" or targets another for conversion. It could also be adapted in the study of new or unpopular religious movements. Findings and recommendations may vary from case to case. The model is found not in the content of the report but in the process of calm, thorough evaluation. (Brown 1995, 66-70)